Bunnahabhain 46 Year Old 1971 (cask 2226) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory) vs Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Bunnahabhain 46 Year Old 1971 (cask 2226) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling
DistilleryBunnahabhainOld Rip Van Winkle
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltBourbon
ABV42.8%53.5%
Age46 yr10 yr
Price£1474.99£1500
Rating4.50/5

Bunnahabhain 46 Year Old 1971 (cask 2226) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling

Smoke0/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner45/100
Value3/100

Bunnahabhain 46 Year Old 1971 (cask 2226) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling is rated higher (4.50 vs 0.00).

Bunnahabhain 46 Year Old 1971 (cask 2226) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory) is better value at £1475 vs £1500.

For beginners: Bunnahabhain 46 Year Old 1971 (cask 2226) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Bunnahabhain 46 Year Old 1971 (cask 2226) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£1474.99 vs £1500)
  • +Longer maturation (46 vs 10 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.5)

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.5/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (53.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£1500 vs £1474.99)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bunnahabhain?

Bunnahabhain 46 Year Old 1971 (cask 2226) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Who should buy Old?

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Tasting notes

Only Bunnahabhain 46 Year Old 1971 (cask 2226) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)

Old WoodSmokeyLeatheryMedicinalSherried

Only Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling

VanillaToastedNuttyOily

Explore more